The Nigerian Army has officially declared several high-ranking ISWAP/ISIS terrorist leaders and key operatives wanted, offering a substantial financial reward for information leading to their arrest. The announcement was made on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, by Captain Muhammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer for the Northeast Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
Intelligence Breakthrough from Recovered Devices
According to Captain Goni's statement, the identities of these wanted individuals were obtained from technical devices and high-value intelligence materials, including a camcorder, recovered during a recent offensive against the terrorist group in the Lake Chad region. Forensic exploitation of these devices generated actionable intelligence, pinpointing locations and identifying senior ISWAP leaders operating within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis along the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.
Wanted Terrorist Leaders Named
The military has named three primary targets: Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, the Wali (Governor) of ISIS West Africa Province; his Deputy and Amirul Jaish, Muhammad Jidda, also known as "The One-Handed Man"; and Hamad Abu Hanifa, the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP. Among these, Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa is highlighted as the most wanted terrorist leader operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
Financial Reward and Confidentiality Assurance
The military has pledged a substantial financial reward to any individual whose credible and actionable information directly leads to the arrest of these terrorists. The statement assured the public that all information received would be treated with utmost confidentiality, and the identity of informants would be fully protected in accordance with established security procedures.
Statement from Operation Hadin Kai
"Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another significant breakthrough following recent successful offensive operations against ISWAP/ISIS terrorists in the Lake Chad region of Northern Borno State," the statement read. "During the operations, troops recovered several technical devices and other high-value intelligence materials, including a camcorder used by ISWAP terrorists to record propaganda videos and document operational activities."
Public Support Urged
Operation Hadin Kai urges members of the public to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in locating and apprehending these suspected terrorist operatives. "Members of the public are encouraged to report any relevant information through established security reporting channels or via 0708 498 8859," the statement added. "Citizens are strongly advised not to confront or attempt to apprehend the suspected terrorists under any circumstances."
